Man charged with murder after body found in fishing town

James Spendley

A man has been charged with murdering 61-year-old Eddie Friel in the Republic of Ireland last April.

The body of Mr Friel was found in his home in the Harbour View Drive estate in Killybegs in County Donegal on 13 April.

James Spendley, 57, of St Cummin's Hill, Killybegs was brought before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday where a previous charge of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm was withdrawn and a charge of murder was brought forward, Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported.

A detective garda (Irish police) told the court that he re-arrested, charged and cautioned Mr Spendley on Friday at Ballyshannon Garda Station.

He said the accused made no reply.

The court heard that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the indictment is dealt with in the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Spendley has been in custody since 15 April.

The solicitor representing him, Gerry McGovern, said he understood the book of evidence will take a month to finalise.

The judge remanded Mr Spendley to appear before Sligo District Court by video link on Thursday.